Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Asked To Join India A Team

Ahead of the crucial June Test tour of England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the spotlight once more. Some of the key members of the Indian Test team are expected to be included in the 'A' squad, which will play the Lions in two four-day matches.

With the Test series in England later this year, the BCCI is unwilling to take any chances after the disastrous last Test season that ultimately cost India a spot in the World Test Championship Final.

Before losing the series to Australia and New Zealand, India appeared destined to make it to the WTC final for the third consecutive year.

Team India is in a miserable state in Test Cricket

They initially fell short against New Zealand in the Test series at home. The Black Caps achieved a historic series victory by blanking India 3-0. India had not lost a Test series at home since the 2012–13 campaign.

India still had a chance to turn things around and make it to the WTC final. But they lost the Australian five-match series by 3-1, their first Test series defeat down under since 2014-15.

The five-match Test series in England will be Team India's next Test match. In the upcoming WTC cycle, it will catalyze India's effort. Additionally, the BCCI is making every effort to guarantee that the team is well-prepared for the challenging task ahead of the series.

India will need to do something exceptional to snap their dismal skid in England, where they haven't won a Test series since 2007.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma set to play for India A

The 'A' team, which will play the Lions in two four-day matches prior to the England series, is allegedly expected to include India's most senior players, including captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. To get ready for the five-match Test series, these pre-tour matches will take place in May or June.

The Test series is scheduled to begin on June 20; the series for the 'A' side will get underway on May 30, less than a week after the IPL ends. The ongoing season of the IPL is scheduled to finish on May 25.

"The first four-day match will be hosted at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury from May 30. The second match is scheduled to begin a week later on June 6 at the County Ground in Northampton," the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

Virat Kohli and Rohit have been terribly out of form in Test cricket lately. After the Australian tour, Virat Kohli and Rohit also play 1 Ranji Trophy match each. Rohit and Virat Kohli failed miserably there.

Karun Nair set for India recall

Nair might be named in the India A squad for the two matches against the Lions, the report also stated. With 863 runs from nine games at an average of 54 and four hundred and two fifties, the veteran Indian batsman concluded an incredible domestic season, finishing as the top run scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the fourth-highest run-maker in the Ranji Trophy.